Background <p>In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare clients were required to remain isolated at home after a positive COVID-19 test. Finland and Sweden used different strategies for supporting clients in home isolation.</p> Methods <p>This qualitative study explored clients’ experiences of the support provided during home isolation. The participants (<i>N =</i> 27) were clients who had been in home isolation during COVID-19 infection in Finland (<i>n =</i> 11) and Sweden (<i>n =</i> 16). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants, and the material was analysed by thematic analysis.</p> Results <p>The findings indicate that participants in this study who experienced home isolation described different experiences in Finland and Sweden. In Finland, participants described receiving daily calls from healthcare professionals, whereas in Sweden participants reported being directed to a national web platform where they could access health information or advice if needed. While participants in Finland described extensive contact, they paradoxically experienced more uncertainty. Conversely, participants in Sweden who were directed to a web platform, described navigating their home isolation with greater assurance and empowerment. The findings indicate that it is essential to combine both social and health-related support to effectively endure isolation.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings suggest that participants in this study who endured home isolation needed both health-related and social support. Participants appeared to benefit more from a well-established web platform than from daily contacts with healthcare professionals within a new and temporary service structure. Future research should explore the effectiveness of digital support interventions for clients in home isolation during crises, with a focus on client empowerment and satisfaction.</p>

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Support during COVID-19 home isolation – clients’ experiences from Finland and Sweden

  • Camilla Mattjus,
  • Linda Estman,
  • Birgitta Olofsson,
  • Lisbeth Fagerström,
  • Madeleine Blusi

摘要

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare clients were required to remain isolated at home after a positive COVID-19 test. Finland and Sweden used different strategies for supporting clients in home isolation.

Methods

This qualitative study explored clients’ experiences of the support provided during home isolation. The participants (N = 27) were clients who had been in home isolation during COVID-19 infection in Finland (n = 11) and Sweden (n = 16). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants, and the material was analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

The findings indicate that participants in this study who experienced home isolation described different experiences in Finland and Sweden. In Finland, participants described receiving daily calls from healthcare professionals, whereas in Sweden participants reported being directed to a national web platform where they could access health information or advice if needed. While participants in Finland described extensive contact, they paradoxically experienced more uncertainty. Conversely, participants in Sweden who were directed to a web platform, described navigating their home isolation with greater assurance and empowerment. The findings indicate that it is essential to combine both social and health-related support to effectively endure isolation.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that participants in this study who endured home isolation needed both health-related and social support. Participants appeared to benefit more from a well-established web platform than from daily contacts with healthcare professionals within a new and temporary service structure. Future research should explore the effectiveness of digital support interventions for clients in home isolation during crises, with a focus on client empowerment and satisfaction.